Nigeria, April 3 -- Leaders of the Ekid people in Akwa Ibom State have formally withdrawn political support for Okpolupm Etteh, the member representing Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

They declared that they would not back him or any candidate from Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom in the 2027 elections.

The decision, contained in a statement issued after a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and accredited stakeholders of the Ekid People's Union (EPU) on 27 March, marks a fresh escalation in political tensions within the constituency.

Those who signed the statement include a former minister and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Nduese Essien,...